Fireworks on the Fourth of July

Sure, you can have the usual July 4th party. Or, you can host a patriotic fireworks theme party that is something truly outstanding that keeps your friends and family talking until next year. And you'll become the host with the most. And that's the most you can be, right? This is a great patriotic 4th of July party to host if you live close enough to see a fireworks display from your house or if you can host somewhere (like a country club) that is having a display. Of course you can host this party for any patriotic holiday with a fireworks display!

Independence Day Party Invitations
Start at 5 p.m., so you'll have enough time before the fireworks begin. Of course, make it a cook-out. Choose an invitation that is as fun as your party! A 4th of July party invitation will get everyone excited for your bash.

Here is some fun 4th of July invitation wording:

Fireworks won't be the only thing going off on the 4th... come make some noise at our annual 4th of July party!

WE WANT YOU... to eat some BBQ! Join us for an Independence Day cookout!

We have plenty of red, white and blue... all this party needs now is you!

Join Dave and Jane for a "Star-Spangled" Celebration!

We're have a party on the 4th of July, with BBQ and fireworks to light up the sky!The flag is flown, the sparks will fly! Join us for a party this 4th of July!

We hold this truth to be self-evident... that a party is more fun with y'all there! Please join us for a 4th of July party!

Get the kids involved: You can get the kids involved by asking them to help create invitations. You know those snowflakes that you make by folding paper over and over and then cutting pieces out? Well, if you use red or blue paper, those "snowflakes" will look like fireworks! Depending on their age, the kids can help with folding or cutting the paper. You should print all the party information out on a separate piece of paper and then glue that to the center of your fireworks. When you're done, fold them up, put them in an envelope and send them off!

Independence Day Decorations and Party Supplies

Start with a personalized banner to welcome guests and then decorate your yard and/or patio with patriotic bunting. Tie these to the top of your front door and stake to the ground on either side. Do the same off the patio and wherever possible. Here are some other fun decorating ideas:

Balloons are always festive and the red, white and blue should be flying somewhere.

Patriotic lanterns are great to use outside. They look amazing hanging from a porch.

Mix in an assortment of American flags as decorations as well! Great in centerpieces, potted plants and for lining a walkway.

Red, white and blue paper link chains look great as garland or decoration between porch or deck railings.

White holiday lights are the perfect way to add sparkle and fun to the party setting. Put them on the porch, in the trees and strung overhead as a lit canopy.

Ribbons in patriotic colors are a great way to add color to railings, chairs and doorways.

Just think "Red, White and Blue" and your decorations will all be perfect!

Patriotic Party Table and Menu
If you're using paper plates and stuff instead of "real" china (and we suggest you do, by the way), of course use patriotic paper goods for your plates and napkins with red, white and blue cutlery and table covers. Your guests just won't believe how coordinated you are.

For your tables, use a Patriotic Plastic Skimmer Hat as a centerpiece. Insert a piece of red tissue and a piece of blue tissue in each. If your party is inside, drop a balloon bouquet in each (red, white and blue balloons, of course). We don't recommend balloons if your party is outside - they'll swat everyone in the head in the wind! Instead fill the hats with chips and snacks for everyone to snack on during the party. Scatter star confetti around the bottom for a final touch. Tie off each napkin with a red, white and blue bead necklace or red, white or blue lei.

Set your buffet up against a wall (inside or in your tent), and set up American Flags as decorations at the back of the table. Serve traditional American cook out food.

You can even make this a pot luck party and ask your friends and family to bring side dishes. My family always asks if they can bring a dish. Depending on the person asking I will make general/specific suggestion or everyone brings the same thing (this happened once and was hilarious, but did not make for a varied party menu). I usually dole out side dishes or desserts - potato salad, pasta salad, green salad, bean salad, fruit salad or sliced watermelon, coleslaw, veggie tray. The non cooks in my group usually bring chips and dip, beer or store bought desserts.

Speaking of dessert, here are my favorite 4th of July dessert ideas:

Strawberry Shortcake

Pie Buffet with Ice Cream

Cheesecake with Strawberry and Blueberry Topping

Ice Cream Sundae Buffet

Red, White and Blue Popsicles

Make a fun fruit display by cutting your fruit out with star cookie cutters. The stars are super fun on skewers or portioned individually in clear cups.

Just make sure it is easy so you can enjoy the fun!

Drinks are important at any party, but more so at a hot summer gathering! Don't miss the opportunity to dress up for drinks -

Add some red, white and blue glowsticks to the bottom of the cooler for a great light display as it gets dark!

Berries frozen in water are a cute touch for serving with a white sangria or clear soda pop.

My favorite summer drink recipe is Watermelon Sangria. I usually double this and serve it in a big glass jar with a ladle in a small clear disposable cups -

Watermelon and Blueberry Sangria

18-20 servings

12 cups cubed watermelon

1 bottle dry white wine (inexpensive is ok)

1 cup vodka

1/2 cup triple sec

1/2 cup simple syrup

1 lime sliced

1 orange sliced

2 cups fresh blueberries

Blend 9 cups of watermelon in a blender until very smooth. Strain into into a large pitcher or glass jar. Add the wine, vodka, triple sec, and simple syrup and stir to combine. Mix all the remaining fruit into the sangria and chill for 3 hours to let the flavors mingle.

Independence Day Party Games and Activities
Besides dinner and chatting with friends, watching fireworks will be the main activity at this party. You can ask friends to bring folding chairs so they have somewhere to sit or provide blankets and towels for everyone to sit on. While everyone is settling in to watch the show, pass out popcorn in bags for everyone to eat.

And give out a few favors for everyone to use during the show! Since it's going to get dark, pass out glow jewelry. Of course you'll want American flags for everyone to wave.